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Architectural rendering by SZFM Design Studio Image courtesy City of Lafayette Staff Report
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If all goes according to plan, the small house on Lafayette Circle that now contains the Art Room and Klein Gallery will be demolished. In its place, eventually, will be a new retail building.
 Main Street Properties filed an application on behalf of the Whitten Family, LLC to demolish the existing 1,233-square-foot aging home on the very visible parcel, and to tweak the existing Tenant Design Guidelines for fasade and signage improvements.
Sudhish Mohindroo, one of the principals of SZFM Design Studio, is very familiar with the site, having designed the Mercantile Building and La Fiesta Square. Mohindroo explained his preliminary proposal for the unique space, calling the proposed 2,500-square-foot structure a pavilion in a park-like setting that relates to the geometry of the site - the curve of Lafayette Circle and the decagon shape of Chow restaurant across the street.
The Design Review Commission gave the applicant feedback at a recent meeting, suggesting smaller height and mass and asked the architect to rethink the use of the front patio space. Commission chair Gordon Chong commented that the idea of a circular pavilion is interesting, but "I just don't think it fits."
The applicant took note of the suggestions and will bring back revised plans at the Design Review Commission's March 9 meeting.
Carrie Klein of the Art Room and Klein Gallery definitely wants to stay in Lafayette and is in discussions for a new location with the landlord.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA